2020 Summer/Fall Nspire Magazine

THE

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CHEF RECIPES

from the vault

The CDA Arts & Culture Alliance presents

New this year! Live-streaming on Facebook each week.

For more information visit artsandculturecda.org/summer-concert-series

CeCe Curtis

The Powers

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Opener: Brady Campbell

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CONTEMPORARY JAZZ

Opener: Brady Campbell

Radio

Opener: The Weddle Twins

Max Hatt / Edda Glass

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Thank you to our sponsors

CDA Symphony

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EDITOR’S NOTE

GROWN HERE SOLD HERE

I need an adventure. Not a vacation, although that would be nice, too. But a heart-stopping, adrenaline-pumping, butterflies-in-the-belly adventure. It’s been a long time since I’ve had one, and I’m really getting the itch — especially after enduring such a long lockdown.

Kristina Lyman

If you are too, then you’re in luck. This issue of Nspire Magazine is action-packed and sure to fill your adventure tank, at least momentarily.

There’s zip lining through the trees in Liberty Lake, climbing mountains in Leavenworth and traversing the expansive island of Tasmania. The writers of these experiences are true adventure seekers, and I admire their curiosity, bravery and fortitude. I mean, let’s face it. I’m not likely to climb the North Cascade Mountains. But I sure liked reading about it. Imagine clinging to the face of a towering granite mountain! Now that’s a heart-stopper.

Oftentimes, more gratifying than the action of the adventure is the take away.

As writer and photographer Chris Celentano puts it, “What I have seen in the 10 or so years that I have been climbing has, without a doubt, drastically shaped the way I look at the world.

It has certainly given me a profound love of the mountains and the wild places that lie outside of the city limits. It has given me a place that makes me feel completely alive.”

Abby Owens goes on a wild ride closer to home, but it’s no less thrilling. Through her writing, I can feel her adrenaline as she zips from tree to tree, slicing through the wind at incredible speed. She let loose her vivid imagination and fully embraced the adventure.

FRESH. LOCAL. ORGANIC.

“I’m on the roof with nowhere left to run. The neighboring buildings are too far away to jump … I fixate on a utility line stretching from this building to the next. My pursuers are almost to the door. I swing my belt over the line, eye it one last time, and pray this isn’t how it all ends.”

That sounds fascinating and doable. Mica Moon Zip Tours is practically in my back yard.

Having lived vicariously through these writers, my itch has been somewhat scratched, for now. Eventually, I will get to live my own adventure. Hopefully, you will, too.

Enjoy!

6 NSPIREMAGAZINE.COM

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THE NSPIRE TEAM

PUBLISHER For the full calendar of events visit: fairandexpo.org 404 N. Havana Street Spokane Valley, WA 99202 509-477-1766

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHER CREATIVE DIRECTOR SR. DESIGNER NUTRITION EDITOR

Andreas John Kristina Lyman Joel Riner Chris Celentano Adam Graves Patrick Fanning Michal Bennett

FITNESS EDITOR

Diana Okon

TRAVEL EDITOR

Denise Lundy

OFFICE MANAGER WAREHOUSE MANAGER CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kyler John Kelly Miller Abby Owens, Theresa Whitlock-Wild, Blythe Thimsen, Michaela Delavan

The Spokane County Interstate Fair will not be held in it’s traditional format this year. Be sure to join us virtually at interstatefair.org and on facebook.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY:

CdA Downtown Association, CdA Convention & Visitors Bureau, Jeff Ferguson

ON THE COVER:

Photographer Joel Riner captures Luke Schumm riding the bull with Pangaea River Rafting.

SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE 50% OFF NEWSSTAND PRICE ONLINE AT NSPIREMAGAZINE.COM OR CALL (208) 930-0114.

Nspire Magazine is published by Mauer Publishing.

Opinions expressed by authors and contributors in this issue are not necessarily those of Mauer Publishing.

All materials in this issue of Nspire Magazine are copyrighted and may not be reproduced in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher.

For advertising information email: info@nspiremagazine.com or call 208-930-0114.

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Nspire Magazine • 409 E Coeur d’Alene Ave, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814 (208) 930-0114 phone • (208) 765-0769 fax Nspire Magazine, Copyright, 2020

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If you’re looking for something different...

S H AW N & J O E L A N D E R S O N I 2 0 8 - 7 7 2 - 9 3 3 3 I M O N A R C H C U S T O M H O M E S . C O M SUMMER/FALL 2020 9

IN THIS ISSUE

>> ADVENTURE

>> FOOD

20 REACHING THE SUMMIT

12

TOP CHEFS

Recipes from the Nspire vault.

44

OH HAIL HOPS

28

An alpine climb up pristine granite mountains.

MISSION POSSIBLE Fly through the trees on this zip line adventure.

34

LEAVE BORING BEHIND

Rafting the Clark Fork with Pangaea.

70

4 STUNNING HIKES

Getting outside with local photographers.

78

A DETOUR TO TASMANIA

An Australian island state located 1,000 kilometers south of Sydney.

10 NSPIREMAGAZINE.COM

58

LOCAL DINING

Experience the area’s finest epicurean hot spots.

>> HOME 42

52

INTERIOR EMPHASIS

Designer transforms 1960’s rancher.

THE KEY IS THE TREES Life in your own private Idaho.

>> LIFESTYLE 46

FUN RUNS Good for the whole family.

48

BRONZE TO CANVAS George Carlson’s journey with the arts.

84 CONSERVATION

URBAN GARDENING A container is all you need.

Home showcases Rathdrum’s diverse terrain.

64

This flower’s use goes way beyond beer.

92

IN FULL VIEW

Urban trees vital for the basics of life.

88

TAKING ACTION Mother brings awareness of daughter’s rare disease.

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SUMMER/FALL 2020 11

AMAZING RECIPES

L E MON PEPPER

CHINOOK SALMON 315 RESTAURANT CHEF BRANDON MITCHELL As featured Summer/Fall 2014

Chef Brandon Mitchell is self-taught, though he was mentored by some of our greatest local chefs. Chef Brandon enjoys teaching others. His passion and talent for creating great recipes has given him insight and confidence that he loves to share; he tells his students “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. It’s just food.”

INGREDIENTS (SALMON SEASONING) » Zest of 1 lemon » 1 tbsp dry thyme » 1 tbsp sea salt (fine) » 1 tbsp black pepper » Avocado to taste » Pinch of red chili flake

Mix well. Let sit at room temperature over night.

INGREDIENTS PART ONE (RISSOTO) » 1/4 cup unsalted butter » 1 tsp sea salt » 1/4 ea yellow onion, minced » 1 tbsp garlic, minced » 1 cup Arborio rice

Sauté in stock pot until the onions become tranclucent and the Arborio begins to brown slightly.

Continued recipe available at: NspireMagazine.com 12 NSPIREMAGAZINE.COM Download a complete copy of this

recipe at NspireMagazine.com

origi

n a l c r e at o r o f t h e

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AMAZING RECIPES

Miso Grilled New York

STEAK

SALAD CRICKET’S RESTAURANT AND OYSTER BAR EXECUTIVE CHEF FRANK CICCONE As featured Winter/Spring 2015

Chef Frank Ciccone, born and raised in Coeur d’Alene, thought he’d grow up to be a scientist.

“Eventually,” he says, “I realized cooking was all the science I needed to be happy in my professional life. So, I committed to it and never looked back.”

MISO MARINADE » 1 tbsp red miso paste, dissolved in 2 tbsp water » 3 tbsp sugar » 1/4 tsp chopped ginger » 1/4 tsp chopped garlic » tbsp sesame oil » 1/2 tsp soy sauce » 1 tbsp sake

Combine all ingredients and cover New York steak trimmed and cut into 3 thin steaks. Marinate for 1 to 2 hours.

VEGETABLE SALAD » 1 English cucumber, seeded and cut in 1/8” slices » 1/4 carrot, cut thin » 1 oz. red onion, thin sliced » 2 oz. green beans, blanched and chilled, cut in half » 2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and cut in thin strips » 1 tbsp crushed peanuts

Continued recipe available at: NspireMagazine.com 14 NSPIREMAGAZINE.COM Download a complete copy of this

recipe at NspireMagazine.com

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BEEF

AMAZING RECIPES

Kabobs

& Greek Pasta WHITE HOUSE GRILL CHEF RACI ERDEM As featured Summer/Fall 2015

Born in Istanbul, Turkey, Chef Raci Erdem has lived in the Pacific Northwest since 1992, and opened The White House Grill in 1996. He jokes, and says he’s a “self-taught chef wanna-be.” He chose this recipe because “it’s BBQ season, and the recipe is fun and easy.”

MARINADE FOR BEEF » 1/4 cup canola oil » 1 tsp minced garlic » Juice of 1 whole lemon » 2 tsp greek oregano » 3 tsp balsamic vinaigrette

Mix together and then add beef.

Refrigerate for 3 hours.

PASTA » Cook 1 lb of linguini or spaghetti (just follow instructions, and if you would like, you can cook in advance and chill for later) » 3 tsp dried basil » 3 tsp minced garlic » 1/2 cup crumbled feta, greek yogurt (optional).

In a large sauté pan, heat oil, add garlic and basil and cook about 20 seconds. Mix in pasta while stirring often. Place pasta on your serving plate and sprinkle feta on top, place skewers over feta. Use Greek yogurt as a delicious side!

Place 4 to 5 pieces of marinated beef on each skewer, place on hot grill and cook to your desired temp. For medium rare, approximately 4 minutes each side.

16 NSPIREMAGAZINE.COM Download a complete copy of this

recipe at NspireMagazine.com

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SUMMER/FALL 2020 17

AMAZING RECIPES

SPAGHETTI

PESCATORE TONY’S ON THE LAKE CHEF CHEYENNE D’ALESSANDRO As featured Summer/Fall 2017

Photos by Joel Riner

Chef Cheyenne D’Alessandro started cooking at her parents’ newly purchased restaurant in 2003, shortly after graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, New York.

Previously she studied culinary arts in Florence, Italy. She’s been wowing guests at Tony’s ever since.

INGREDIENTS » 4 oz dry pasta » 4 jumbo prawns » 4 U10 scallops (dried really well) » 4 oz halibut » 6 mussels » 2 tbsp olive oil » 1/4 cup vodka » 1 cup tomato sauce of choice » 1/2 cup heavy cream

Cook and drain pasta, set aside.

Sauté prawns, scallops, halibut and mussels in olive oil on med-high until cooked through. Deglaze pan with vodka. Reduce sauce and cream down by 25%. Add pasta. Enjoy.

18 NSPIREMAGAZINE.COM Download a complete copy of this

recipe at NspireMagazine.com

rustic

modern

timberframe diverse

residential and commercial design construction management restaurant design

20 8 .7 5 5 .7 9 1 0

interior design and planning

www.eh-design.net SUMMER/FALL 2020 19

ADVENTURE

DRAWN TO THE

MOUNTAIN

By CHRIS CELENTANO Photography By CHRIS CELENTANO

20 NSPIREMAGAZINE.COM

A rope is tossed down in preparation to rappel as the storm rages through.

NS SUMMER/FALL 2020 21

Pristine view of Lake Pend Oreille from Schweitzer Mountain Resort.

Jason Wilmoth takes in the views of Icicle Canyon at sunset as another storm sweeps over the Sleeping Lady and Snow Creek Wall.

Alpine Climbing: A discipline of climbing where the primary aim is to reach the summit of a mountain or large geological feature; often requiring the ascent of steep rock, ice and snow faces, or a mixture of both over many lengths of climbing rope.

I 22 NSPIREMAGAZINE.COM

t is a beautiful Friday afternoon.

Myself and my climbing partners Jason Wilmoth and Chris Doll

Just beyond the edge of town lies a

have just arrived in the little Bavarian-

granite, entire mountains made of

themed town of Leavenworth, nestled

pristine alpine granite — the stuff

at the base of the Cascade Mountains.

that climbing legends have cut their

Upon first look, most people see a

teeth on for generations. The same

cute tourist town. We see something

type of rock that makes Yosemite so

different. We see the gateway to

famous is abundant in Washington.

some of the best mountain climbing

The Icicle Canyon is one small slice of

in the Northwest, maybe the world.

that piece of climbing heaven.

canyon that runs to the south that holds the treasure we are seeking:

We make a quick stop at the local grocery store for some last-minute items. Then we head out of town and up into Icicle Canyon. We drive up about 9 miles to our camp spot.

We have outfitted our trucks with sleeping platforms in the back, so we can quickly and easily crash for the night in a dry cozy spot. After the 3.5-hour drive, we are exhausted and head for bed. Tomorrow will be a big day when we hope to find the perfect route that will properly test our skills and further help define why we do this.

It is the overwhelming beauty that drives me to dedicate so much time to alpine climbing over other types of climbing. What I have seen in the 10 or so years that I have been climbing has, without a doubt, drastically shaped the way I look at the world. It has certainly given me a profound love of the mountains and the wild places that lie outside of the city limits. It has given me a place that makes me feel completely alive; and it doesn’t have to be while clinging to the side of a 1,000-foot-tall rock face. It can also be far below that rock wall, in canyons where the snow and ice that I climbed during winter has since melted and has now filled the creek and river enough to allow me to paddle down its incredible whitewater in my kayak.

The mountains are also where I have built some of my strongest and most cherished relationships.

I introduced this cute little blonde girl I met a while back to climbing.

She was instantly hooked and I firmly believe our relationship has become as strong as the granite that we love to climb on due to the experiences we had together in the mountains. She has since become my wife, and now mother to our beautiful baby daughter who at four days old was already out learning

the power of the mountains. Even the guys I have come to Cascades with on this trip I have known for years and have forged friendships with them in the mountains.

Climbing, moreover alpine climbing, demands perfection. You must be able to completely trust your partner when in the mountains. Your life depends on it. It is almost impossible to not develop a close relationship with the people you venture to massive summits with. High in the mountains, you must make sound and logical decisions together, where the outcomes may have drastic and long lasting physical and emotional effects on everyone involved. I am lucky to know people like Jason and Chris.

Both have a plethora of experience and an equal amount of passion for the mountains. They are motivated to venture to the high peaks around us for the same reasons that I am — the

freedom, the beauty and the adventure that is waiting to be discovered.

Saturday morning comes quickly.

The wind picked up ferociously overnight and shook the trucks all evening; its icy fingers trying desperately to find a weakness in our shelters and dissuade us from our mission. As we slowly rise from our slumber and clamber out the back of the trucks, we remark about the change in the weather. As we groggily prepare breakfast and coffee on our tailgates, we joke about getting blown off the wall by the wind, which is much stronger than initially predicted.

Despite that, we take solace in the fact that we have abundant sunshine for the moment. Although, we do not take that for granted, as the years of time spent in the mountains has taught us that if you just wait a few minutes, the weather is bound to change. After breakfast we hurriedly

Careful positioning of your body is critical when moving efficiently up a wall.

SUMMER/FALL 2020 23

To safely belay Jason up from below, Chris Doll builds an anchor at the top of the pitch.

pack our gear into our packs and get ready to head down the road to start the approach to our chosen climb.

This is not unlike most approaches to a typical spring or summer alpine climb. It is steep and rocky on the side of a mountain and filled with wildflowers. Despite the fact that I have an almost unhealthy obsession with winter and the cold, I can certainly appreciate the vibrant greens, yellows, purples and blues of the wildflowers that cover the mountainside we are climbing. The views across the valley to the famous Snow Creek Wall and Enchantments are equally awe-inspiring. Giant jagged mountains as far as the eye can see and a stunning waterfall cascading down into the Icicle River below are enough to make our minds wander in between catching breaths from our hike up the mountain to our route.

24 NSPIREMAGAZINE.COM

We finally make it to the bottom of our route and begin unpacking gear from our packs. The sound is like a toddler rummaging around in the cookware drawer in the kitchen as we pull dozens of pieces of climbing hardware out of our packs and lay them on the ground in front of us. Chris scans the guidebook one last time, and we verify that we have enough gear to safely and successfully climb this giant rock face. We roshambo for who will lead the first pitch. Jason takes the win!

Meanwhile, an eagle soars just overhead, seemingly enjoying the high winds and probably wondering what those crazy humans are doing on the rock below. As we work our way higher and higher up the wall as a team, we are again reminded of why we do this. The feel of the granite at our fingertips is grainy and cool to the touch. We search out the tiny holds that will allow us to stand and ultimately move up the vertical wall in front of us. Everything is extremely methodical. Finding just the right body position to balance on a tiny crystal is all it takes to continue to move upward.

Tied into the rope, Jason starts up the route. The shear focus and calm that he must maintain to successfully climb this section is impressive.

Just as we thought, the weather has continued to deteriorate as we move up the route. The wind has been howling and a couple of gusts have blown us off balance on more than one occasion. Just as another strong gust hits us, Chris looks up and points

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A granite spire stuns in the Cascade Mountains of Washington.

across the valley at the wall of snow that is hurtling toward us. Within a minute or two we are engulfed in a massive freak snowstorm while only half way up our climb. Hanging off the side of a cliff 400 feet above the ground while belaying your buddy during a snowstorm is not the most pleasant thing to experience.

We like to refer to this portion of a climb or adventure as a sufferfest or Type 2 fun. This is part of the adventure where things start to feel miserable. Our hands and feet are cold, we are cold and beginning to get wet since the snow is melting as quickly as it hits us, and the wind is causing a brutal chill. At this point we realize that since there is water running down the rocks, we will not be able to finish our climb and reach the top. We end up struggling up the last 100 feet to an anchor at the top of the next pitch (a spot where the rope is secured to the wall). The anchor was located just below the top of the mountain, and we quickly wrapped the rope up to begin the scramble off the side and back down to where we started. As luck would have it, once we reached the bottom the storm was over and the sun came back out — a typical day in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest.

In the end, this is what alpine climbing is all about: Freedom, focus, trust, suffering, failure and success.

We do this even through the extreme mental and physical challenges, and ultimate exhaustion, because the mountains are home and the place where we feel complete. Years of practice, honing our skills and building unbreakable relationships despite insurmountable challenges is what draws us to the mountains.

Even in failure we find success in the fact that we came home safely and ultimately had a great time. N

26 NSPIREMAGAZINE.COM

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SUMMER/FALL 2020 27

TRAVERSING MICA MOON

TREE STYLE

By ABBY OWENS Photography By JOEL RINER

Sara releases a whoop as she flies along the zip line.

28 NSPIREMAGAZINE.COM

ADVENTURE

H

eart pounding, mind racing, voices shouting.

I weave through crowds, slide beneath tables, dodge everyday objects and slip around corners as I rush through packed foreign streets. I must move faster. I must put more distance between myself and my pursuers. My mission is too important to fail now.

The crack of gunfire ahead floods my veins with adrenaline. I duck into a building and sprint for the stairs. It’s a risky move, potentially suicidal, but going up is my only option. Up stairs, through domestic rooms, past flustered residents I go; those hunting me ascend angrily in my wake.

I open yet another door and my stomach suddenly drops. I’m on the roof with nowhere left to run.

The neighboring buildings are too far away to jump, and the high air whistles forlornly around me. I fixate on a utility line stretching from this building to the next. My pursuers are almost to the door. I swing my belt over the line, eye it one last time, and pray this isn’t how it all ends.

“Zipping Abby!”

With a decisive blink, I return to my present reality. The line before me takes on a new definition before my eyes, the background behind it fades into shades of green, and the air settles into a pulsing breeze. Ah yes, I’m with my group and our zip line guide, Sara, on a wooden platform high in a tree, surrounded by acres of privately-owned Washington forest.

And I’m next up to zip “Peek-A-Boo,” the first line of the day with Mica Moon Zip Tours.

SUMMER/FALL 2020 29

the air. Mere seconds later, I feel the brake slow my approach and I stretch my feet toward the platform.

Holland helps me detach my triplelocking carabiners from the zip line and attach them to the safety line wrapped around the tree. I find a spot on the platform next to other members of my group. Peek-A-Boo may be one of Mica Moon’s shortest zip lines, but it definitely gets the blood pumping.

One zip line down, five to go.

The collective enthusiasm and camaraderie within the group increase during the next three zip lines. We hike dirt roads, climb swaying bridges, skirt along platforms and fly above the trees.

Some scream as they leap, some hold it in, but all are constantly laughing.

I love how the smells of earth and warming June air combine with the wood of the platforms and the leather of our gloves.

On the new aerial course, Mica Moon guests can monkey around on two levels of varying height and difficulty.

As fun and exciting as these zip lines are, though, we know what they’re all leading up to: Big Mama. At 3,500 feet long, it is among the longest zip lines in the country, and one of Mica Moon’s most recent additions. My anticipation builds at the back of my mind, growing ever nearer to the forefront of my thoughts.

I laugh at myself for the places my imagination takes me. When I hear “zip lining,” I can’t help but envision daring escapes from Mission Impossible or Bond movies. Who cares if such stunts aren’t realistic: it’s the thrill of the moment, the split-second reaction, the speed and danger of it all that brings us to the edge of our seats.

end of the zip line, through Sara’s radio: “Line clear, brake set, zip on Abby!” Sara smiles and gives me the go-ahead. I grip the handles attached to the line by my head and look down, which is exactly what I shouldn’t have done. Butterflies burst in my stomach. Yup, it’s high. Here we go. I position my feet, swallow my nerves and jump.

I hear a crackly response from Holland, the guide on the opposite

I can’t contain an exhilarated whoop as I swing and soar through

30 NSPIREMAGAZINE.COM

We’re walking along a dirt path, chatting with each other and the guides, when I realize the wait is over. I behold Big Mama’s raised platform, daunting in its simplicity as it sits perched upon the side of the mountain. My eyes try to follow the zip line’s path but lose it somewhere down in the expansive carpet of deep green. I spot a cleared patch on the other side of the valley that must be the landing area. Liberty Lake sits quietly far off to our right, and the shifting grey clouds add an air of drama to this climax. One of

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I feel a delighted laugh arise from my chest, but it’s soundless with the roar of speed in my ears.

Mica Moon co-owner Heidi Stewart zips through the trees.

Mica Moon’s owners, Heidi Stewart, stands on the platform, waiting to assist us. My expectations have been exceeded. It is breathtaking.

The question is who will be first.

We excitedly organize into a singlefile line, and I find myself somewhere towards the back. I try to take it all in but I am distracted by nerves. One by one, our line shrinks. Here, at Big Mama, everyone releases some kind of battle cry before they and their voices are lost in the drop. They eventually emerge as a speck on the exposed hill across the valley.

32 NSPIREMAGAZINE.COM

I begin to feel the draw again; begin to hear and feel the heart-stopping beats of adventure. Someone calls my name. Heidi is beckoning me to join her on the platform. The zip line is empty, daring me to take the plunge.

I step up and Heidi gets me attached to the line. The empty air beyond the platform is dizzying. Gripping the handles, I take a giddy breath, grin as I channel Ethan Hunt, and launch myself off the platform.

I let loose with one long, cathartic scream, expelling electric fear from my body. My body is clenched into a

ball, flying along so quickly my windinduced tears are snatched away as quickly as they come. Incredulous laughter quickly replaces the screams. This is real zip lining.

I’m struck by a strange strain of loneliness up here above the world, where it’s just me, the zip line and the howling wind. It is simultaneously terrifying and awesome.

As I approach the other side of the valley, it appears I’m about to be swallowed by the trees. But I instead enter a sacred place, a half-moon hollow carved out in the trees. I skirt

The slackline obstacle spans a creek trickling quietly below the course.

just past them, aware of their almost tangible nearness. I feel a delighted laugh arise from my chest, but it’s soundless with the roar of speed in my ears.

The ground begins to rise sharply.

I see the landing zone and am jarred by the brake as it cuts my speed.

I finally come to a stop but am temporarily left dangling in the air.

I’m breathless as Holland drags a ladder over for me to climb down. I then join the rest of the group away from the zip line.

Although Big Mama is definitely the highlight of the day, we wrap up at Mica Moon’s new aerial course.

Still raw from Big Mama, I welcome the challenge of tackling bobbing barrels, shifting canoes, swinging ropes and a slackline. Once I’ve completed the obstacles on the first level at 30 feet, I climb up to the harder ones on the second level, putting me about 70 feet above the ground. My favorite obstacle is rope swinging off a platform into a huge net American Ninja Warrior-style.

After an hour or two of swinging and climbing around, my body is exhausted but my fun tank is full.

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We all load into UTVs for the ride down the mountain to where the shuttle van is parked. I watch the road and the forest as we descend and am reminded of the regional history Rik, Heidi’s husband and co-owner of Mica Moon, told us on the drive up. Apparently Mica Peak was a hot spot for bootleggers during the Prohibition Era, particularly for moonshine. Traversing perhaps the very same roads they used, I feel I can imagine wily bootleggers slipping through the woods under cover of darkness, evading authorities in their mission to keep Mica Moonshine in circulation.

I love that Rik and Heidi Stewart chose the name Mica Moon for their business as a tribute to the area’s history. Rik says they strive to celebrate the intrigue, adrenaline and risk of the past with their courses, and hope to inspire their guests to do the same. I walk away grateful to them, their guides and the mountain for an opportunity to embrace this spirit of wildness. My mission, should I choose to accept it, is to continue to pursue adventure wherever I find myself in this endlessly adventurous world we live in. N SUMMER/FALL 2020 33

34 NSPIREMAGAZINE.COM

ADVENTURE

Leave Boring Behind

Rafting the Clark Fork

By ABBY OWENS Photography By JOEL RINER

C Pangaea guides head into the heart of the Alberton Gorge above Fang rapid, the last of six class 3 rapids on the Clark Fork River.

liffside. Tumbleweed. Triple Bridge. Boat Eater. Promising a day of water-soaked laughs among such colorfully-named rapids, it’s no wonder Pangaea River Rafting’s motto is “Leave Boring Behind!” What better way to test out this mantra on a stunning, Inland Northwest summer day than to hop on a whitewater raft and ride the churning waters of Montana’s Clark Fork River?

Presented with the opportunity to join Pangaea one August day, I can’t pass up the chance to throw myself into nature and challenge the river gods to stay just beyond their grasp.

SUMMER/FALL 2020 35

Pangaea River Rafting guides prepare the boats before launching on the Clark Fork River’s Alberton Gorge boat ramp at Cyr Bridge.

Undeterred by the distance, I make the drive from Coeur d’Alene through the breathtaking Lolo National Forest to Pangaea’s property just 15 minutes south of Superior, Mont.

It’s with great anticipation that morning that I greet Josie and Tessa, two of the guides. Their humor and energy are instantly contagious and a positive omen that today will be a great day.

The guides’ first instructions of the day are to retrieve life jackets and oars from one of the equipment sheds, and then gather on the lawn to go through safety procedures.

There are about six rapids we will encounter today, and lunch will be held river-side around the halfway point. If we fall out of the raft, we’re supposed to be “feet and nose,” which means on our backs, floating down36 NSPIREMAGAZINE.COM

river with our feet ahead of us, and our hands treading water. This way we can see what’s coming and push off rocks with our feet if necessary.

Makes sense. We’re also supposed to just go with the current and not try to swim to shore because there are brambles and tree roots the boats can’t navigate. Got it.

As if these precautions aren’t enough to make us begin to uneasily question our activity choice, we’re then told what to expect if the raft flips over. Wait, what? Continuing casually, the guides describe how they will flip it back over, which involves using ropes and flipping it “hot dog” style. They also go over how to hold and manage our oars, and what kinds of commands they’ll be giving us. All this serious, potentially life-threatening stuff aside, the other

rafters and I are somehow still eager to “Leave Boring Behind” and have some serious fun.

We load up in a renovated school bus hauling a trailer piled with rafts and finally head for the river. At the drop-in spot, we’re organized by raft and line up with our guides to slowly lower our rafts down a ramp to the water. With everyone organized into groups, I see that there are four rafts and two kayaks in our contingent. I meet my raft companions, a father and son from Texas named John and Nick, and see that Tessa will be our guide.

Our first stretch of river is calm and wide, giving us time to situate ourselves and get a feel for the raft.

It feels so good to be out on the water.

From her perch centered at the rear

It’s all hands on deck when navigating the wild and unpredictable rapids.

SUMMER/FALL 2020 37

of the boat, Tessa goes over different commands and has us practice responding to them. We turn, propel and maneuver the raft to variations of “all forward,” “right side forward, left side back,” and “left side rest, right side two strokes forward.” Nick and John start on the right side of the raft, and Tessa helps me with the left side with her larger, fixed oars.

We round the bend and lay eyes on our first rapid of the day: the appropriately named Warmup Rapid, a little class II rapid to get us started. I feel myself tense up as we approach, ready for action.

Tessa has us hold while she gets us pointed toward the best path to take, and when it seems we’re nearly on top of the rapid, she finally shouts, “all forward!”

Water sprays my face, but I lean into it as I dip my oar into the rolling river, focused on propelling the raft onward. As we ride the whitewater, my hands quickly get a feel for how to hold the oar, my feet how to wedge into the raft’s creases as anchors, and my legs and core how to stabilize me atop the raft’s inflated side. Nick, John and I row like maniacs, and then as quickly as it came, the rapid is behind us and all is calm again.

Although quick and comparatively mild, Warmup Rapid has definitely gotten my adrenaline flowing.

I come to realize this will be more or less the rhythm of the day: stretches of calm water with casual conversation, interspersed with sudden jolts of heart-pounding action aboard roiling rapids. I learn a bit about my raft mates as we drift.

Nick is just about to begin his first semester of college, John works at one of the large universities in Texas, and Tessa and I share a love for traveling. The rafts play a lazy game of leapfrog, taking turns leading the pack and bumping into each other 38 NSPIREMAGAZINE.COM

Pangaea guide Paul Britt guides friends into the class 3 drop at Tumbleweed rapid.

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Pangaea River Rafting does whitewater. In fact, we do a whole lot more than just whitewater! We do wine & beer floats, team building trips, bird watching, geocaching, and pampered private upgrades. And it’s not just the trips that make Pangaea different from the other companies, every trip is centered around YOU! We run every trip around your needs and wants. If you like to run the biggest, wettest, juiciest lines, we can do that.

If you like whitewater, but you don’t want to scare the kids or get grandma too wet, we can do that too. Do you love nature and being outside with friends, watching wildlife, eating great food and drinking wine or beer? Pangaea’s customer centered wine & beer rafting trips are made for you. How about bird watching early in the morning on the river? Yup, we’ve got that trip too. And so much more!

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Whitewater river rafting guide Jocie Collins gets inverted during one of the milder stretches of the Clark Fork River.

during inter-raft socializing. The kayakers, Paul and Wes, alternate between doing their own thing and docking at one of the rafts to chat for a bit.

One of the class III rapids we go through is called Triple Bridge Rapid, though it technically runs below four bridges. As we approach the rapid, I notice perhaps half a dozen people in wetsuits hanging out near the shore. Before we enter the rapid, Tessa explains they’re surfers who come here to practice getting up on their board in one of the waves, as this is one of the few such spots they can find so far inland. Fascinated, I watch one or two of them stand and ride the wave for a few seconds before being swept down the current and doggedly trudging back up to do it again.

Not long after Triple Bridge, we approach Tumbleweed Rapid. Tessa had told us there’s a photographer 40 NSPIREMAGAZINE.COM

positioned here to take our picture, so we’ll need to look up towards the end of the rapid. I quickly realize Tumbleweed is a stronger rapid, and it requires all our strength and concentration to power through. As the intensity begins to subside, we spot the photographer up on a huge boulder and raise our oars in salute as we pass. Apparently, Tumbleweed takes Wes and his kayak for a spin, and I later learn that Devon, Tessa’s cousin, jumped out in the middle of it to embrace the river.

We pull off onto a rocky stretch of land to enjoy a gourmet potato bar for lunch. The food and two foldable tables had all been distributed among the rafts, and were assembled by some of the staff. While they set up, I chat with Paul and Wes, and they mention a stream on the other side of the bank. Paul says it’s called Fish Creek and comes down from a glacier. It’s only about 10 miles long, so the water stays clear and clean

before it dumps into the Clark Fork here. I follow them down the other bank and up a bit to where Fish Creek spills over a little drop off. We jump into the water and my breath is nearly sucked completely out of my lungs by its icy purity.

Time seems to fly after lunch.

For one of the rapids, Nick rides on the front of the raft, what they at Pangaea call “riding the bull.” He hangs on tight, getting thoroughly doused by the rapids surging around his feet. John takes a turn up front for another rapid, and chooses to swim through a tamer one that Nick and I stand and balance through. I manage to keep my seat through all the rapids except a particularly rough one that pops me up and across the raft, almost knocking me into Nick.

Shortly before the end, we pull off at a large rock to stretch our legs and take turns jumping off into the

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deep pool below it. One of the kids on another raft does a gainer, and Devon graces us with a belly flop.

Squirt guns are busted out when we’re back on the water, and it’s a battle of the rafts to see who can soak the others most.

Before I know it, I can see the yellow school bus parked on the road above the river, meaning our float has come to an end. My body suddenly feels tired, but my heart isn’t ready to leave the water. I’d always wondered how river guides like Tessa and Josie could spend an entire summer away from civilization, living so simply and spending all day on the water, day after day. But after getting a glimpse of it for myself, it strikes me as a beautiful way to disconnect from the craziness of civilization and engage with the pure honesty of nature.

The river is alive and ever-changing, ensuring every day is anything but dull for those who choose to embrace

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adventure and leave boring behind. N SUMMER/FALL 2020 41

ORGANIC GARDENING

Grow a garden in a bucket

By S. MICHAL BENNETT Photography By JOEL RINER

Gardening in containers provides a versatility you won’t find in a plot of dirt.

42 NSPIREMAGAZINE.COM

Herbs like basil and sage thrive in containers.

F

or the past six years, my husband and I have been growing a home garden. The only thing is, we don’t have a yard. We live in a private apartment above a garage, and our outdoor space consists of a driveway and some landscaped beds.

While functional landscaping is an integral part of every home garden, it doesn’t feed you.

As cities sprawl, urban dwellers are exploring creative ways to source good food for ourselves and our families. Growing food and greenery in small, confined spaces is just one way those of us with only windowsills, balconies or concrete slabs can contribute to the local food culture and extend our personal growing season.

>> CHOOSE YOUR LOCATION Sometimes, urbanites don’t have a lot of options when choosing a site for their container garden. The outdoor space at my home is almost solely north-facing and deprived of direct sunlight for the most sunny parts of the day. This means we have to carefully select what plants we grow.

If you are able, pick a spot that offers the most variety of sun.

Windowsills, inside or out, are great for herbs, succulents and other small plants. Putting your plants in a place where you will see them on a daily

basis helps you remember to care for them and notice when there might be a pest or disease issue.

>> POTS Our first year of container gardening, we used four wooden wine boxes, three square milk crates and a basket for herbs, all lined with burlap coffee bags. We still use the crates for greens and herbs, but the wood degraded quickly. Since then, we have been gradually expanding a collection of 5-gallon pickle buckets, garnished from the deli kitchen at our local natural foods store. But there are so many things you can use and reuse to grow in: bathtubs, boots, wagons, desks, dresser drawers, chairs and much more.

Containers only require a few things – drainage, root space and surface area, dependent on your plant.

>> SOIL Potting soil for containers should be nutrient-balanced and well-nutrified with compost or worm castings.

Fertilize often throughout the season, as needed for the vegetables or fruits you are growing. Heavy feeders, like tomatoes and peppers, can quickly eat up the nutrition in their containers and must be fed regularly. Water as needed or as specified for each particular plant.

>> PLANTS Because we have a north-facing space, we grow tomatoes that are more cold-tolerant, like Siberian and Polar varieties. Herbs, lettuces, onions and more delicate flowers also tend to do well in a partialsun environment. However, if your balcony gets baked by the sun, you would want to plant more traditional sun-loving tomatoes, hot peppers, zucchini, hops and cucumbers.

While some professionals say you can grow pretty much anything in a container, I have found that larger root vegetables, like carrots and beets, are stunted in pots, and I don’t recommend growing corn. Corn requires a minimum of two plants to grow, plenty of root space and, many times, hand pollination in order to kernel.

>> DIVERSIFY Start simply, but try to grow more than one thing at a time. Tomatoes and basil are companion plants, both agriculturally and in the kitchen.

Adding a bee-friendly flower or two increases your production because fruits and vegetables need to be pollinated in a variety of ways. Then, plant one experimental thing. If it works, you have created something special. If it doesn’t, there’s always next year. N

SUMMER/FALL 2020 43

HEALTHY INGREDIENT

Hops grow in thick clusters on climbing vines and thrive in the Northwest.

HOPS >> ANCIENT CULTIVATION

>> NUTRITIONAL & MEDICINAL

Hops, Humulus lupulus, are one of the oldest cultivated perennials in the world. It is believed that hops were first discovered wild in Egypt and parts of the plant have been used throughout history as herbal medicines, salad additions, dyes, textile fibers, basket materials and food for sheep. Today, they are almost exclusively associated with beer production.

Hildegard also explored the medicinal aspects of hops in relation to Hippocrates’ melancholic “humor” of physiology. We now know that lupulin and other natural chemicals in hops can have a relaxing, calming effect on the nervous system, and can help deepen sleep and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep. Because of this, hops and their extracts can severely interact with sedatives, depressants and antidepressants.

The first record of hops being used in beer was in the 9th century by the abbess Hildegard von Bingen. In her then-famous medical book Liber SubtilitatumDiversarumNaturarum Creaturarum, she postulated that hops had a preservative quality that, when added to beer and other beverages, could extend the freshness of the drink. Modern research and experimentation throughout antiquity has proven this to be true, proving hops act as an antibacterial agent against undesirable microorganisms in the brew. They also draw out malt sweetness, add bitterness (measured in International Bittering Units or IBUs) and contribute a diverse array of flavors and aromas.

44 NSPIREMAGAZINE.COM

Hops could also be anti-inflammatory and antiviral, protect brain cells, fight tumors and have estrogenic effects, although research is limited and mixed at this time.

>> CULINARY USES History documents that hops were first cultivated in scale in 736 in Germany, although it is not reported that they were used there in brewing ale until 1079. They then became embroiled in politics and religion in Europe and Britain, were condemned as a “wicked and pernicious weed” during the 15th and 16th centuries, but eventually staked their permanent claim in the beer world.

In fact, they are primarily responsible for the word “beer,” since the brew

By S. MICHAL BENNETT Photography By JOEL RINER

was simply “ale” before the addition of hops and “beer” afterwards.

Hops are also used in herbal teas, often for relaxation, and some carbonated beverages, like the Swedish Julmust, Malta in Latin America and kvass, a fermented drink traditional to Slavic and Baltic countries. Hops are also a bittering addition to lemonade or cocktails in a syrup form. Add hops to your basic simple syrup recipe (boil 1 part sugar to 1 part water) or combine them with other complementary flavors, like citrus (grapefruit, lemon, orange) or warm fruits (apples, pears). Check out our blog for a cocktail recipe made with hopped grapefruit syrup.

Early spring shoots from the hop plant can be sautéed like asparagus, and leaves can be stuffed as food purses, similar to squash blossoms and grape leaves. The flowers can also be added to butters, baked goods, chocolate desserts, candies, marinades and salads. Think of them, dried or fresh, as a substitute for such pungent herbs as rosemary, oregano or basil. Check out our blog for a recipe for Pear Goat Cheese Tarts with Honey and Hops. For more hopped up recipes like this, look up the cookbook Hedonistic Hops by Marie and Michael Porter. N

Recipes

This Hopped Up Shandy is the perfect cooling libation for a sweltering summer day.

HOPPED GRAPEFRUIT SYRUP (makes 8-10 ounces)

» 1 cup sugar » 1 cup water » zest of one grapefruit » 1/4 ounce fresh or dried hop flowers

In a small pan, combine the water, sugar and zest. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 8 minutes. Crush or roughly chop the hops and add to the hot liquid.

Simmer for another 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Strain into a glass container and store in the refrigerator.

Drizzle over a fruit salad for an extra kick.

Add 1-2 ounces to a can of pure or Pamplemousse (grapefruit) La Croix sparkling water for a refreshing soda. Stir up a summery shady with the recipe below.

HOPPED UP SHANDY » 1.5 oz gin » 3 oz lager » 2 oz ginger beer » 1/2 oz hopped grapefruit syrup

Stir and serve with a grapefruit twist.

FRESH HOPPED BRUSCHETTA (makes 4 servings)

» 3 cloves of garlic » 2 large tomatoes or 1 pint cherry tomatoes, roughly chopped » 3-4 fresh hop flowers, plucked and finely chopped » 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil » 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar » sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste » grass-fed butter Chopped hops give this bruschetta a unique kick.

» 1 French sourdough baguette or country loaf » 2 tbsp thickly grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Finely dice two of the cloves of garlic.

Combine with the tomatoes and hops, and toss gently to combine. Drizzle with the oil and vinegar, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well and let sit about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Slice the remaining garlic clove in half.

Thickly slice the bread, rub the cut side of the garlic on each slice and toast. Top the hot bread with butter and allow it to melt.

Serve each slice with a spoonful of the tomato topping and a sprinkle of cheese, if desired.

SUMMER/FALL 2020 45

FITNESS

FUN RUNS F

un runs have drastically changed throughout the years.

Today, they are truly fun, involving crazy themes and charities instead of just running. Such efforts attempt to bring family and friends together in an outdoor setting.

Benefits of participating in a fun run range from improved mental and physical health to supporting various causes in our communities.

The runs are meant for all ages and athletic abilities. Instead of just running, people are encouraged to walk, jog or in some cases take on obstacles.

46 NSPIREMAGAZINE.COM

These events promote quality time with family and friends. Whether you sign up to walk together or train for months to run together, fun runs are a great way to connect with each other outdoors and cheer each other on. They give family and friends time away together from work, school and other responsibilities. In many cases, you can even meet new people along the way.

Fun runs are good for the mind and body. Whether you walk, jog or run, you are aiding in muscle and bone strength. Activity is also good for your brain. It decreases stress

GOOD FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY and aides in energy output, which in turn can help you sleep better. This is especially true when one trains leading up to a race.

Fun runs come in many distances with 5K ( 3.1 miles), being the most popular. However, some runs are 1 mile and some can go up to 12K (nearly 8 miles) such as our local Lilac Bloomsday Run. Today’s fun runs come in many themes. Locally, runs include the Bubble Run, Color Run, Dirty Dash and even the Super Hero Run. These interactive runs will have you smiling along the way.

Thousands of runners, walkers, and strollers gather for this annual event.

A fun, unique, and original dog shop.

By DIANA OKON Photo By JEFF FERGUSON

As for the charitable races, the Susan B Komen breast cancer awareness race is well known and a national charity. Local charity runs and walks range from ALS awareness to suicide prevention.

These runs are a great way to meet people and donate to those in need.

So, if you haven’t yet tried a fun run, get online and sign up for one.

Every year, new runs are added while some are moved to other locations.

The best plan is to do your research and find the ones that work for you.

Leave yourself a little training time, if possible. N

IT IS FOR ALL DOG LOVERS! • Collars • Toys • Treats • Gifts • Clothes • Pillows

210 E. Sherman Ave. Ste. 143 Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814 Resort Plaza Shops 208-664-0414 www.thelabradorstoreandmore.com SUMMER/FALL 2020 47

ART

George Carlson “To this day, I have this thing about life.

I want to get the vitality of life, whatever way I can do it, into the work.”

By ABBY OWENS Photogaphy By JOEL RINER

A

s I sit with renowned nature artist George Carlson in his studio, I realize these are more than just words for the painter and sculptor. The pursuit of life’s essence has been his guide for nearly all of his eight decades, and has so woven itself into his work that George’s art has truly become a reflection of himself.

Now living on 55 beautiful acres just outside of Harrison, Idaho, George and his wife Pamela are able to enjoy the peaceful vitality of trees and wildlife by just walking out their front door. Having reached a point in his life where he often finds himself reflecting, George says he feels immense gratitude for the life he’s lived.

And what a life he has lived.

Fascinated with art and observing the world around him since he was a boy, George learned how to transfer what he saw onto canvas and threedimensional mediums through schooling at the Chicago American Academy of Art, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the University of Arizona. He attributes much of 48 NSPIREMAGAZINE.COM

his formative artistic influences to the early encouragement of his mother, as well as to mentors Glen Messersmith and Ralph Thompson in his high school and college years.

It was when George decided to leave Chicago in his 20s that he discovered the first of his major artistic passions. He’d had a job doing commercial illustration for a time, but tired quickly of its creative limitations and headed west to Winter Park, Colo. His father didn’t understand George’s desire to

After 30 years doing primarily figurative sculpture, George Carlson turned his focus to painting.

exchange paintbrushes for ski poles, but George felt the need to purify himself. He took two years off of art, doing whatever work came his way and gradually developing an intense interest in American Indian culture.

George has always believed in learning as much as possible about anything that catches his interest, and so fully immersed himself in studying the local tribes’ history, religion and way of life. Where Western art had predominantly featured images such as cowboys

George creates his works of art in a studio in the quaint town of Harrison, Idaho.

and American Indians shooting buffalo from horseback, George perceived a far deeper expression of cultural identity in their daily lives and spirituality. He recognized that a unique trust was being extended in allowing him to witness some of their traditions, and always made a point to be respectful in what he expressed through his art.

An aspect of American Indian culture that he brought to life in several of his sculptures was their reverence for the natural world and the spirituality behind it. One such example in bronze that earned him the prestigious Prix de West medal in 1975 was Courtship Flight, which featured two eagles in mid-air with talons interlocked.

After about 10 years spent learning from American Indians, George heard of a new potential

artistic opportunity from his friend, Dick Spas. Dick had been doing landscape photography in Mexico and told George about a tribe of natives called the Tarahumara in the Sierra Madres Mountains who were virtually untouched by the outside world. Profoundly intrigued, this tip soon had George driving up rivers, along rustic dirt roads where one could go 10 hours to traverse only 45 miles, and into an ancient world that required all the patience and power of observation he’d been developing since childhood.

“I think that’s where my birdwatching came in handy, because I have a lot of patience,” he says.

“When I see something and know I want to do it, I’m not going to rush it.”

This ability proved vital to his success with the illusive Tarahumara, as did his luck in having young Mario

Parra as his guide and translator, who himself was part-Mexican, part-Tarahumaran.

For weeks, George painted only landscapes, respectfully allowing time to build relationships and trust. When he started working with models, he found he had volunteers of all ages. He strove to portray the strength of the Tarahumaran features in his sculptures and paintings, as well as the pride they took in their ceremonies and the overall beauty of their simple lives.

The Tarahumara were George’s primary inspiration for about 15 years until he began to feel drawn in a different direction. He was living in Elizabeth, Colo. at the time, and while attending horse pulls in the area, became fascinated with draft horses. The ranchers talked about how the most important quality SUMMER/FALL 2020 49

Inspired by Walt Whitman and other poets, George’s unique perspective of the land can be seen in his detailed and dimensional landscapes.

in a team was “having heart,” or the ability to pull together with all their strength.

“I just love the volume,” George says.

“You have to really feel that volume because for me that was sculpture.”

He spent about 10 years studying these magnificent beasts, seeking to encapsulate their intrinsic beauty and immense power in his works.

One of George’s bronzes, named Searching the Wind, he did based off an incident he witnessed where a spunky stallion wouldn’t let a rancher put a collar over his head.

Exasperated, the man finally took off his sweatshirt and wrapped it around the horse’s head. George was stunned as the massive animal instantly froze, its statuesque body still pulsing with 2,000 pounds of sheer power.

50 NSPIREMAGAZINE.COM

George explained that many of his pieces often become a metaphor for what he sees going on in the world around him.

“The challenge for me was to go from doing large, massive draft horses, to these thin, willowy, lithe dancers,” he says.

“When I review the bigger picture about what I’m trying to express in different works, it’s for the work to transcend ... no matter what the subject ... into a metaphor about the human condition,” he says ”Searching The Wind is one of these works. It is about the message of losing some of our natural instincts to technological dependencies.”

Despite the jolting shift in artistic subjects, he saw the same essence of life in both the draft horse and ballerina, as contrasting as their physical forms might be.

It likely surprised many following George’s career when he then turned to ballerinas. His wife had studied ballet, and when chance provided them the seasonal use of a New York City apartment, he had the perfect opportunity to study some of the best dancers.

“Anything I do, I don’t go in with a judgment,” he says. “I go in more with being a channel, letting it come through you.”

George was granted the privilege of sitting in on classes at the School of American Ballet, where he was able to observe until a dancer’s particular movement caught his attention.

After 30 years of doing primarily figurative sculpture, George felt the draw to return his focus to painting.

He felt called not to the scenery

everyone recognizes, but to the unknown landscapes; to the rolling hills and forest trails one has to drive long hours and stop and listen to. He drew inspiration from Walt Whitman and other poets in how he saw the land, and even took to studying geology in order to better understand the physicality of what he was seeing.

George’s current muses have been the Palouse and Channeled Scablands of Eastern Washington.

He earned his second Prix de West medal in 2011 for a painting set in the Scablands called Umatilla Rock, making him the only artist to receive two Prix de Wests in as many mediums.

His landscapes are rich in detail and color without being saturated with them, and are imbued with a life-like dimension that captivates the eye. For George, he sees the land embodying life in the rounded female forms of the Palouse loess hills, contrasted starkly with the jagged maleness of the Scablands.

What impresses me most about George is his commitment to his work and versatility; to his pursuit of life and the little pieces of magic that connect all facets of existence.

Blackwell Gallery is located in the beautiful town of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho just steps from the waterfront, and right in the heart of the retail and dining district. We feature exclusively local artists with various mediums in contemporary and modern paintings, sculptures, mixed media, encaustic, photography, mechanical parts creations and woodwork. Our mix of modern, contemporary, and abstract art makes us a very unique and exciting gallery to shop. Come visit us…we are sure you’ll want to take an original piece home to add to your collection.

In whatever George sets his hands to, he has always pursued that elusive essence that gives life its meaning, and in doing so has found his bliss.

“It’s the interconnectedness of everything,” he says. “Dance isn’t separate from the draft horse or from the Indians or from the landscape; it’s all interconnected. If you take what it is today but then follow it back in its own history, you find that somewhere along the line it all intersects, and it all becomes one big beautiful.” N

205 Sherman Avenue Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 83814

2 0 8 . 6 9 9 . 2 1 1 6 BLACKWELLGALLERYCDA.COM SUMMER/FALL 2020 51

The original choppy floor plan of this 1960’s rancher was opened up during a major interior renovation.

Builder / YOST GALLAGHER CONSTRUCTION Design/ TONI BRANNON DESIGN

52 NSPIREMAGAZINE.COM

HOME

A P E R F E C T LO C AT I O N D E S E R V E S A

Perfect Interior

By BLYTHE THIMSEN Photography By JOEL RINER

When the location of a home is perfect, but the interior design is far from perfect, that’s when you call in the professionals, push up your sleeves and embark on a renovation.

The kitchen was updated and given a modern, sleek look.

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This home’s many design elements combine into what designer Toni Brannon describes as Northwest contemporary.

Interior designer Toni Brannon knew her clients bought their 5,600-square-foot 1960s rancher because of its ideal location. It was the less-than-perfect interior that she had to tackle in order to create the home of their dreams.

The home was choppily played out inside, with many separate rooms and unique design choices that created confusion about the thought process behind them.

“A main floor bathroom had a stepdown bathtub, of which the bottom of the tub was visibly hanging down from the ceiling in the lower level,” Toni says.

Another head-scratching design was a jetted bathtub in the master bedroom, placed in the middle of the room in front of French doors that opened to a dangerous stairwell below.

In addition, the wood trim was 54 NSPIREMAGAZINE.COM

different in every room of the house, the lighting was inconsistent from room to room and the kitchen had been through an earlier update that left it with a backsplash and countertops that made it feel dated.

Toni and her clients had lots of work to do.

“It is always best to let the clients express their wants and needs on a project, first thing,” says Toni, who shared her vision after listening to their goals.

Luckily, her clients’ vision flowed seamlessly into her own vision.

“I knew instantly I wanted to open it up,” she says of the space.

The original design had four bedrooms and two baths upstairs, but downstairs was partially finished with a bedroom and bathroom that were a complete mess, says Toni.

The homeowners have four adult children, and they wanted all of them to feel at home and have their own space when they visit. To do that, Toni designed four en-suite bedrooms and two half baths. She turned one of the former upstairs bedrooms into an office.

Many of the elements that Brannon incorporated into the home give it what she calls a warm Northwest contemporary feel.

“The base is more of a contemporary feel, and then we put in some modern touches without taking it over the top,” she says.

Things like cable railing and a 4-foot-wide pivot door leading into the master suite give the touch of modern design, while the white oak wood floors, cut stone fireplaces and wood beams maintain a comfortably warm feeling.

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SUMMER/FALL 2020 55

White oak wood floors, stone fireplaces and wood beams provide a warm, inviting feeling.

One of the home’s unique design features is the sunken living room.

Despite its mid-20th century origin, Toni embraced the design style.

“I loved the idea of the sunken living room,” she says.

A wall of doors open out onto the golf course from the living room and add an additional statement to the space. While the previous wall consisted of windows and only one door that opened to the outside, they were replaced with six new doors that now easily open to let the outside in.

Just beyond those doors is an outdoor living area that the owners thoroughly refinished, complete with an outdoor kitchen. Out here, looking back into their house and soaking in the finished project is the best location of all. N

56 NSPIREMAGAZINE.COM

Cut stone was used throughout the house, including in this elegant master bath.

idsashanddoor.com p: 208-765-8620 | f: 208-765-6150 | info@idsashanddoor.com Idaho Sash and Door, LLC • 3895 N. Schreiber Way, Ste. 300 • Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815

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SUMMER/FALL 2020 57

HOME

Where the prairie meets the mountains A FAMILY HOME ON THE RANGE

By MICHAELA DELAVAN Photography By JOEL RINER

N

ot many homes can provide a view of mountains, prairie and forest. Prairie Sunrise can, right here in Rathdrum.

“I love that if you’re entertaining here, it’s all open,” said Jessica Cargile.

She and her husband, Dale, own and operate North Ridge Contracting and live in the development. “You feel like you’re right in the trees when you get a glimpse out of that back window; then you get that view of the mountain, the prairie. You get a little bit of everything.”

58 NSPIREMAGAZINE.COM

This Rathdrum rancher provides stunning views of the mountains as well as the expansive prairie and forest.

Builder / NORTH RIDGE CONTRACTING

SUMMER/FALL 2020 59

The open floor plan of this single-story rancher is ideal for entertaining — particularly for those who host their family for the holidays. An 8-foot by 4-foot quartz and maple wood island defines the space between the kitchen, dining room and the great room, as well as providing the perfect counter space for both preparing and providing a Thanksgiving feast.

Natural light streams into this house from every direction. The great room and master bedroom both have vaulted 12-foot ceilings, while the rest of the house has 9-foot ceilings. The master suite is spacious, with clean lines accented by the stained alder wood trim.

The master bathroom features a beautiful Jack and Jill vanity, as well as a large soaking tub and tiled walk-in shower.

This dining room shines with an abundance of natural light.

The 8-foot quartz and maple wood island pops against the rich browns in the flooring and cabinets.

60 NSPIREMAGAZINE.COM

L O V E the P R O C E S S

208-772-2799 | MBBuilders.com SUMMER/FALL 2020 61

The house is designed to be a smart home. Surround sound is pre-wired in most of the rooms.

The great room features a floorto-ceiling stone fireplace that is designed to have a television mounted to it.

The zero-step floor plan is designed to be a “forever home” that will age with the homeowners, so they won’t have to worry about things like climbing the stairs to play with their grandchildren.

The house is also designed to be low maintenance, with 50year paint on the walls and full maintenance needed for the back deck maybe every 10 years. With three bedrooms, three bathrooms and a three-car garage, this house can handle any stage of life.

“The overall inspiration for the design is that we wanted to keep that rustic feel of North Idaho but make it really elegant and clean,” said Cargile.

Like the great room, the master suite features vaulted 12-foot ceilings.

“It feels big, it feels like luxurious living, but it’s small enough that it’s not huge maintenance.” N

A quaint and cozy great room is perfect for relaxing.

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SUMMER/FALL 2020 63

HOME

THE KEY IS THE

TREES LIFE IN YOUR OWN PRIVATE IDAHO

By MICHAELA DELAVAN Photography By JOEL RINER

64 NSPIREMAGAZINE.COM

Nestled in the trees, this rustic home is a woodland retreat.

Builder / TIMBERED RIDGE HOMES

SUMMER/FALL 2020 65

Modern lighting over the island brightens the dark knotty alder wood on the cabinets in this open-air kitchen.

When the city overwhelms your soul, come to the Wilderness Ranch for rejuvenation.

Forest bathing is a Japanese concept that touts the benefits of immersing yourself in nature and embracing its serenity. With five acres of forest surrounding each home in this Rathrdrum development, Timbered Ridge Homes has created the perfect place to pause and breathe some mountain air.

“It’s all about ‘trees to keys,’” said Barry Stearns of Timbered Ridge Homes. “That’s why people move to Idaho, because they want to get away from their current living situation and they want more room.”

Nestled amongst the trees, it seems hard to imagine the bustle of city life.

It’s far easier to imagine reaching for a steaming cup of coffee, wrapping 66 NSPIREMAGAZINE.COM

The darkness of the rich wood contrasts nicely with the lighter colors in this bathroom.

up in a cozy blanket and watching the tree tips sway in a gentle breeze through the home’s many large, energy efficient windows.

patio is emphasized by the living

The open-air concept of the kitchen, dining area, living room and outdoor

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room’s vaulted ceiling, which features a rough sawn fir beam and cedar planks as it stretches from the living patio. A stone fireplace reaches from

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The soft lighting, cedar plank ceiling and warm color palette give off an inviting and cozy vibe.

the floor to the ceiling, flanked by knotty alder wood built-ins.

said Stearns. “People feel comfortable

Neutral tones, highlighted by the dark knotty alder wood trim and granite countertops, add a touch of glamour to this elegantly rustic home while subtle touches such as the modern light fixtures and highend finishes brighten up the rooms.

This two-story, craftsman style

“It’s the perfect place to entertain,” 68 NSPIREMAGAZINE.COM

inviting their friends over.”

“We do a lot of designs based on the customer’s particular needs,” said Stearns. “This one in particular is

home is a customizable design from

what we call an ‘empty nester home.’”

the Ridge Series by Timbered Ridge

The master suite, ideally situated

Homes. It features 2,328 square feet,

on the other side of the kitchen from

two bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and a

the guest quarters, has enough room

three-car garage as well as an office

for a sitting area and a large walk-

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in closet. The spacious master bath

converted into bedrooms.

features a makeup station nestled

CONTEMPORARY

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between the Jack and Jill sinks, a walk-in tile shower with pebble flooring and a private commode.

“It’s more of a rustic modern blend with the craftsman style,” said Stearns. “We don’t want to overemphasize the wood. We make it light, with modern style amenities so that it can appeal to a wide range of demographics and clients.” N SUMMER/FALL 2020 69

HIKING

Wander around the smaller dunes to the east after dark and see how lights cast incredible shadows across the untouched textures in the sand.

St. Anthony Sand Dunes / ST. ANTHONY, IDAHO Photo By CHRIS CELENTANO

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SUMMER/FALL 2020 71

The tallest sand dune, at 500 feet, towers over the surrounding area while being lit up by a brilliant sunset.

ST. ANTHONY SAND DUNES

Photographer:

CHRIS CELENTANO otherwise the area is free to use. Be cautious about venturing out to the dunes on hot days as the sand can easily reach temperatures well over 100 degrees..

One of the tallest dunes in the area looking southwest toward Idaho Falls.

Where to celebrate after: Silver Horseshoe Steakhouse & Saloon, St. Anthony’s.

How do you get there?

St. Anthony, Idaho

Mountains. Sunrise and sunset are phenomenal here.

Average Distance of hike:

What was most noteworthy?

3 miles

These dunes are 500 feet at their tallest point and are made of fine white sand deposited by thousands of years of winds blowing across the desert from the southwest.

Closest city to the trailhead:

Why do you recommend it?

At nearly 850 miles by road to the nearest coastal region where dunes may be found, these inland sand dunes are something mindboggling to behold. They are an adventurous soul’s playground with endless hiking and photographic opportunities to be had from any direction. Look to the east to see the Teton Mountains and look to the west to see the Lemhi 72 NSPIREMAGAZINE.COM

Are there restrooms?

Yes, but only at the Elgin Lake Campground.

Know before you go: Day use and camping fees are required at the Elgin Lake area;

From Idaho Falls, take Highway 20 northeast toward Rexburg/St. Anthony. Exit HWY 20 and take HWY 33 east from Rexburg. Turn right onto N 3000 W Rd. Stay on this road until it T’s. Turn right onto E500 N, and then turn left. Follow the signs into Elgin Lake Recreation Area. Also consider making your way to the far east side of the dunes along Red Road before the Sand Hills Resort, where you can easily walk out onto the smaller dunes for a mellower adventure.

Nspire Challenge Rating: 1

Lazy Sunday Stroll

2

Family Adventure

3

Average Outdoor Enthusiast

4

Bring Your A-Game

5

Master Adventurer

The hike out to the wind-swept sand dunes on the White Bluffs North Slope trail leads to amazing views such as this.

WHITE BLUFFS NORTH SLOPE TRAIL Photographer:

TODD HEIMAN

Closest city to the trailhead:

What was most noteworthy?

Othello, Wash.

The hike to the sand dunes is what makes the trip worth it. The trail is easy to follow and has the Columbia River flanking you the whole way.

Who doesn’t love to run and play on sand dunes? And you don’t have to drive to the ocean!

Average distance of hike: 5.5 miles Why do you recommend it?

If you need a break from the winter blahs, then this trip is worth it.

Gorgeous views of an untouched section of the Columbia River combined with the storied history of the Hanford Nuclear Reserve make for a great place to adventure.

Are there restrooms?

Yes Know before you go: There is a bathroom at the boat

launch area, but bring your own water. Hiking in sand is much harder than a packed trail, so know your limits. Stay on the trail as this is high desert and home to rattlesnakes.

Where to celebrate after?

Casa Mexicana in Othello How do you get there?

Take Interstate 90 west from Coeur d’alene for 89 miles to Ritzville. Exit onto US 395 and continue south for 30 miles till you come to WA-26 toward Othello. After 19 miles, turn left onto Reynolds Road, then right onto west Hampton Road. Turn left onto WA-24 then go 14 miles. Turn left at the gate, then right to the boat launch area. Trail parking is on the righthand side of the road Nspire Challenge Rating:

Taking in the beautiful sunset views overlooking the Columbia River at the Hanford Reach National Monument.

1

Lazy Sunday Stroll

2

Family Adventure

3

Average Outdoor Enthusiast

4

Bring Your A-Game

5

Master Adventurer

SUMMER/FALL 2020 73

Closest city to the trailhead: Bonners Ferry, Idaho Average Distance of hike: 3 miles Why do you recommend it?

It’s an easy trail in Kootenai Wildlife Refuge, with lots of beautiful scenery, trees, river, meadows. A great place to take family, and to enjoy many species of birds, and the occasional moose, elk, and deer.

Upper Priest River Falls aka American Falls, a 40-foot cascade into a deep aqua pool just south of the Canadian border.

What was most noteworthy?

This is a beautiful, easy trail to walk with family and friends. Scenery includes meadows, trees, river, and entire refuge.

Are there restrooms?

Yes Know before you go?

Restrooms are at Headquarters in the refuge. There are many species of birds if you are into bird watching.

Be mindful of refuge boundary signs.

Where to celebrate after?

The majority of the trail is under the canopy of old growth cedars and follows along the Upper Priest River to the falls.

Kootenai River Inn Casino How do you get there?

Enter Kootenai Wildlife Refuge through Bonner’s Ferry. The Deep Creek trailhead is on the left and the parking on the right just as you enter the refuge. Continue on the main road to Headquarters and Myrtle Creek Falls hike. There is a 5-mile auto tour near Headquarters.

Nspire Challenge Rating:

DEEP CREEK TRAIL

Photographer:

STEPHANIE KING

74 NSPIREMAGAZINE.COM

1

Lazy Sunday Stroll

2

Family Adventure

3

Average Outdoor Enthusiast

4

Bring Your A-Game

5

Master Adventurer

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www.nspiremagazine.com SUMMER/FALL 2020 75

Closest city to the trailhead:

Why do you recommend it?

Bellingham, Wash.

The views are other-worldly. The flowers are abundant late summer.

From the summit you can see Mt.

Average Distance of hike: 9 miles

Shucksan as well as Mt. Baker in the distance, weather permitting of course.

What was most noteworthy?

There were so many wildflowers. It made me want to come back again and explore some of the ridgelines I didn’t get to this trip.

Are there restrooms?

Yes Know before you go?

You have to pack out your waste so use the pit toliet before you roll out or come prepared. The road to the trailhead has several potholes.

The views from this trail are phenomenal. In late summer the flowers are blooming everywhere.

Come early as the parking lot gets full. The bugs aren’t too bad as long as you keep moving. Come prepared if camping at the top. The weather can also cause issues. This summer one hiker had to call her mother to contact SAR as she was disoriented by the fog.

The trail to Skyline Divide does not disappoint. Wild flowers are in abundance late July timeframe.

Where to celebrate after?

Chair 9 - (great pizza) How do you get there?

From I-5 out of Bellingham take Hwy 542. Take a right on Glacier Creek Rd (FS 39) then an immediate left onto FS 37. Drive about 13 miles to the trailhead parking lot. A pit toilet is at the parking lot.

Venture beyond the meadows and it will feel like you can reach out and touch the snow peaks of Mt Baker.

Nspire Challenge Rating:

SKYLINE DIVIDE

Photographer:

REBECCA HAGEMANN

76 NSPIREMAGAZINE.COM

1

Lazy Sunday Stroll

2

Family Adventure

3

Average Outdoor Enthusiast

4

Bring Your A-Game

5

Master Adventurer

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WORLD TRAVELS

Tasm A DETOUR TO

T

he long trek to Australia warrants a memorable detour to enjoy the wild beauty of Tasmania, an Australian island state located 1,000 kilometers south of Sydney. This rugged island includes both World Heritage sites and national parks that protect an impressive 42 percent of its land.

The island of Tasmania is a diverse and picturesque sanctuary and an up-and-coming holiday retreat.

Our journey started and finished in Sydney, where we had rented a house at Curl Curl Beach with my husband’s family over Christmas.

Getting our toes in the sand on Sydney’s northern beaches was a welcome reprieve from the Inland Northwest’s wintry chill. We spent the week hiking Sydney’s coastal 78 NSPIREMAGAZINE.COM

walks, swimming in the choppy surf and ambling up and down the coastline between Manly, Curl Curl, and Dee Why beaches.

In the city, we lunched at the Sydney Opera house (a once-in-alifetime indulgence), took in the botanical gardens, enjoyed a political satire at the Sydney Theatre Company, peeked in the posh shops in The Rocks, and ferried back and forth from Circular Quay to the Northern Beaches.

Christmas at the beach was sublime! The day after Christmas, a.k.a. Boxing Day, after a sunny respite with family, we departed from the Sydney airport for Hobart, Tasmania. Our departure was in sync with the famed Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, an annual sporting

spectacle known as one of the most grueling and prestigious yacht races in the world. The 100 or so sleek yachts were positioning themselves in Sydney Harbor to start the competition as we flew their itinerary from Sydney south to Tasmania, or Tassie, as it is often called.

We spent a few nights in Hobart, the capital of the state of Tasmania, on the River Derwent. While the weather was rainy in Hobart, that didn’t stop us from reveling in this compact, yet cosmopolitan city. Under the shelter of our umbrellas, we did a walking tour of Battery Point, a chic suburb with curious sandstone and weatherboard cottages.

Yielding to the rain, we sipped a flat white (a popular Australian drink similar to a latte) in a

ania

By DENISE LUNDY Photography By DAVID RONALDS

Not another soul in sight at Wineglass Bay

charming, artisan bakery with brick and timber accents. It was tempting to ride the ferry across the river to the hip M.O.N.A., or Museum of Old and New Art. The M.O.N.A is an architectural masterpiece built into the hillside featuring the private art collection of gambling magnate David Walsh, and an on-site winery and brewery. Alas, we gave it a miss this trip as we were penny-pinching to make up for some recent splurges.

selling their wares. From dazzling flower bouquets to local crafts and the freshest local produce, this lively market was colorful and bountiful.

We wove through the crowds of shoppers amidst restaurants’ chefs who were carefully selecting their ingredients for the evening’s specials.

The Blow Hole in Tasmania National Park.

We planned our trip so we would be in Hobart on a Saturday to take in the Salamanca Market. The market, a vibrant explosion of color, is home to 300 vendor stalls along the historic Salamanca Place near the waterfront. Even in Europe’s open-air markets, I have never seen such a vivid display of artisans SUMMER/FALL 2020 79

old timber station was converted to a penal colony called Port Arthur in the 1830s. At Port Arthur, thousands of prisoners suffered mental abuse in the solitary confinement cells, were hung in the gallows and were subject to hard labor in the nearby coal mines. It was especially chilling and eerie to walk through the compound’s underground confinements.

Our next stop was to see The Blow Hole, Tasman Arch and Devil’s Kitchen in the Tasman National Park. These striking rock formations offer stunning views of the coastline and are home to a blowhole that sends frothy sea water shooting into the air to the rhythm of the waves.

It was a lovely afternoon, perfect for picnicking and exploring the many treasures within the national park.

There is always someone to rescue you at an Australian beach.

Hobart is home to a sweeping farm-totable movement and a haute cuisine destination for culinary enthusiasts.

considered to be near the end of the

Content after our urban fix in Hobart, we drove to Port Arthur, on the island’s southeasternmost peninsula to take in some of Tassie’s dark history. In the early 1800s, Tasmania was known as Van Diemen’s Land, which Britain

banish the most nefarious prisoners

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earth. For this reason, the Brits deemed Tasmania a worthy place to from their burgeoning penitentiaries.

Between 1788 and 1868, Britain and Ireland shipped approximately 162,000 prisoners to Australia, and some of the worst offenders landed in Van Diemen’s Land, where an

No visit to Tassie would be complete without a trip to the stunningly beautiful, and relatively unspoiled, Wineglass Bay. Located on the central east coast of Tasmania and protected by the Freycinet Peninsula, this bay has been hailed as one of the world’s best beaches for luxury travel. In the 1820s, the bay was a favorite spot for whalers, who would harpoon the whales, drag them back to shore and butcher them to boil down the blubber to derive the whale oil. The practice left so much blood in the bay that the perfectly curved bay resembled a wine glass filled with red wine. Thankfully, the beauty of this pristine bay offered no traces of the past whaling decimation from which the bay’s name originated.

As we began our hike into Wineglass Bay, we were greeted by a wallaby that hopped right up to us as if to say hello. The hike took us up through a eucalyptus forest to a saddle with a viewpoint gifting forever views of the bay with Hazards Beach to the east and flanked by Mount Graham and Mount Freycinet. We continued down

Tommy Knoebber, Michael Rude, Julie Doty, Jennifer Brumley, Craig Zanetti, Matthew Rakes

65

YEARS COMBINED

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Managing Partner Craig Zanetti’s primary area of emphasis during his legal career has been criminal defense. He has been defending citizens since 2008, initially as a Kootenai County Deputy Public Defender and later in private practice working alongside his mentor, Gary Amendola. Craig is also a graduate of the National Criminal Defense College, a premier trial advocacy program dedicated to zealous criminal defense.

Julie Doty and Jennifer Brumley each possess experience as Deputy Prosecutors in Washington and Idaho and in criminal defense in private practice. Michael Rude has been practicing criminal defense since law school, initially working with the Kootenai County Public Defender’s Office and now in private practice. Matthew Rakes brings past law enforcement experience to the firm, rounding out a legal team of attorneys dedicated to defending your rights.

Our aggressive, attentive Coeur d’Alene criminal law attorneys are ready to help you at a moment’s notice. Contact our Coeur d’Alene law offices today to secure a free initial consultation. Amendola Doty & Brumley, PLLC is where the defense never rests.

Appeals

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Cradle Mountain overlooking beautiful Lake St Clair.

camping gear. The lodging options were limited due to the popularity of this park, so we opted for an economy cabin at the Cradle Mountain Lodge.

A wallaby friend was happy to share the beach at Wineglass Bay

the trail to the beach, an expansive stretch of sugary white sand with the Hazard Mountains, from which we came, as a backdrop. Again, we were welcomed by a friendly Wallaby that posed for photos and stood by us as we drank in the intoxicating view.

We spent the afternoon frolicking in the sand and carrying on a silent conversation with our wallaby friend.

Our next stop was Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park in the central highlands of Tasmania. Given that this was a holiday within a holiday, it was not feasible to come equipped with our 82 NSPIREMAGAZINE.COM

The lodge itself offers luxury in the wilderness, but our rustic cabin was more than adequate for us.

The grounds at the lodge offered a variety of walking tracks, many with wooden boardwalks above the soggy earth. In the evening, we wandered the walking tracks and spotted the multi-colored echidna, a spiny anteater that is a peculiar walking contradiction. Another treat was to see so many wombats around the lodge grounds that were seemingly unbothered by humans.

I am smitten with these muscular little marsupials that are low to the ground and built like tanks. We were delighted to see so much wildlife in the park, although we did not spot the elusive Tasmanian Devil, and think the best chance for sighting one is in a zoo or paid roadside attraction.

We hiked a well-known portion of the Overland Track that circled around Crater Lake and terminated

at Dove Lake. Waiting our turn amongst the other hikers, we snapped the obligatory photo from the iconic boat shed at Dove Lake with Cradle Mountain looming in the background. The taste of Cradle Mountain-Lake Sinclair National Park left us dreaming of returning to complete the entire Overland Track.

To spend six days hiking through this rugged natural area would be a dream adventure!

Our final day in Tassie was spent driving the leisurely road to Launceston. The drive was slow and windy with pastoral views and a plethora of grazing sheep. Launceston, one of the oldest cities in Australia, is a wellpreserved indication of Australia’s early European influence with its manicured parks and graceful Victorian and Colonial architecture.

From Launceston’s airport, we reluctantly boarded our plane and said hooroo (goodbye) to Tassie until we are lucky enough to come back for a continued adventure.

Cheers! N

Custom Homes Remodeling Interior Design

NOTE FROM BUILDER:

I’m Mike George, owner of Nature’s Creation General Contracting, Inc. With over 30 years experience, I take extreme pride in being onsite daily. To achieve this, I limit the number of projects I take on. Not only does this allow me to work hands on with our subcontractors, it also ensures that we deliver the upmost quality from conception to completion.

TRUST IN EXPERIENCE EXPERIENCE EXCELLENCE

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Nature’s Creation is a hands-on custom home builder and remodeling/design firm that has earned a remarkable reputation for not only their new construction abilities, but the amazing transformations they’re able to do to existing homes. Whether you’re planning on building a new home or renovating your existing home, Nature’s Creation will deliver the experience, knowledge, and design expertise to make sure that your dreams become a reality.

208 665 2120 | NaturesCreationCdA.com naturescreationcda@gmail.com

EST.1993 SUMMER/FALL 2020 83

CONSERVATION

URBAN TREES Vital for the basics of life

By S. MICHAL BENNETT Photo Provided By CDA DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION

W

henever I have a conversation about urban sprawl, construction and development at the expense of green spaces and even yards, I think of the Joni Mitchell song Big Yellow Taxi as performed by the Counting Crows.

“They paved paradise and put up a parking lot…they took all the trees and put ‘em in a tree museum…

Don’t it always seem to go, that you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone. They paved paradise and put up a parking lot.”

In our efforts to multiply, gain wealth and attain a relative comfort level, we are gradually replacing the greenery, trees, wild flowers and

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rich soil with bricks, concrete, walls, pipes and all the things that protect us from the green. And this isn’t even addressing how many trees were cut down and used to make those walls and produce paper on which the structure was designed and planned.

Let’s just talk about the trees that you see outside your window every morning, lining the streets and shading your yard.

Forests are universally acknowledged as beneficial and are typically protected by government and private agencies. But urban trees and green spaces don’t usually have such protection in the shadow of housing and economic booms. However, the benefits of growing, expanding and cultivating urban silviculture are many and varied.

other volatile organic compounds (VOCs). However, the more trees we eliminate in order to build more pollutant-producing structures, the less clean air we have to breathe, now and for our children’s children.

decent foundations for tree houses.

The more trees we plant and foster, the more plants and gardens we grow, the more oxygen we add to the air.

In this light, mitigating air pollution doesn’t seem so difficult either.

>> THE WELL-BEING BENEFIT

>> THE SHADE BENEFIT

The benefits of urban trees are many, including heatlh.

>> THE OXYGEN BENEFIT First, it is a scientific fact that we need plants and trees to keep our air healthy and replenished with oxygen.

Trees use energy from the sun, carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and water and minerals from the soil to make glucose, which powers their metabolisms and makes them grow big and strong. This process helps offset the discharge of CO2 by industrial, agricultural and other human-developed pollution, and releases clean oxygen back into the air we breathe.

Urban trees and forests also welcome and absorb other air pollutants, particularly sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NO2), ozone (O3), particulate matter and

The reduction of foliage and increase of concrete also make our cities and towns an average of 1.85.4°F hotter during the day than rural areas. This is called the “urban heat island (UHI)” effect. UHI also affects water quality, surrounding ecosystems, rainfall and overall climate, if considered on a global urban scale.

While it may sound cheesy, it is true that shade from a sprawling leafy tree is more soothing and cooling than the shadow of a skyscraper. Trees also release small amounts of water vapor, which can assist your own perspiration in its cooling process.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, “Trees properly placed around buildings can reduce air conditioning needs by 30 percent and save energy used for heating by 20–50 percent.”

>> THE HABITAT BENEFIT Trees create a ripple effect in nature. They create habitat and opportunity for animals, insects and other plants to thrive. The root systems of mature trees bind the soil, reducing erosion and allowing water to flow more structured. They provide food in the form of nuts, seeds and fruits for both animals and humans. And they make pretty

A biodiverse habitat is essential for vitality, whether in the wild or in more civilized spaces. Diversity, but with some sense of conformity, is highly promoted in landscape design.

Studies have shown that spending time near trees, in green spaces, in nature, can increase your energy level, speed recovery from illness, decrease blood pressure, and improve your ability to handle and adapt to stress. In fact, a study done by researchers at the University of Illinois in 2015-2016 showed that just looking at pictures of trees and urban scenes with tree canopies significantly reduced stress and aided in stress recovery.

Being active in a rural environment can also release the “happy” chemicals in your brain and bring relief from depression and anxiety.

It is an inexpensive coping mechanism provided by nature that fosters gratitude, acceptance and connection to humanity and life as a whole.

>> SOLUTIONS Plant a tree, or three. Advocate for parks, urban green space and urban forests. If you’re a builder, keep a couple trees and leave some room on the lot.

Learn how to prune or hire a certified arborist to care for your trees. Treat and care for fruit trees for SUMMER/FALL 2020 85

Trees provide shade, helping to alleviate the “urban heat island effect.”

Photo provided by Coeur d’Alene Visitor’s Bureau

healthy production, which extends the life of the tree and affords you sweet, fresh fruit. Knowledgeable maintenance of trees and shrubs can keep your landscape thriving for generations.

your roof by planting vegetation on it. This is much easier to do if your roof is flat, but many office buildings, apartment buildings and other industrial structures do have roofs that could be developed into gardens.

Use your roof to alleviate UHI. Painting your roof white can reflect solar heat, while black roofs absorb the heat, releasing it throughout the night and day. You can also “green”

Stay active outdoors whenever possible. In some places, that’s easy to do. In others, you have to be extra intentional to find some trees to meander under. If you do find a

86 NSPIREMAGAZINE.COM

special spot, protect it by utilizing it, keeping it clean and encouraging others to do the same.

With a little patience and effort, we can appreciate and nurture the trees that we have, and plant new ones that will feed us, give us breath, and keep our world flourishing long after we are gone. N

A GREAT BUILDING ASKS ITS SITE,

“What Should I Be?”

At Sam Rodell Architects, we live by a simple idea: our job is to marry your desires with your property’s hidden possibilities. Of course, you’ll also find us accomplished at managing the mechanics of your building and site, and for achieving amazing energy efficiency, but we never stop there. We reveal your land’s poetry.

If you have a piece of land just crying out to become even better, we’d love to help.

THOUGHTFUL, SITE-INSPIRED DESIGN 208.904.0805

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SUMMER/FALL 2020 87

NSPIRED

Rare disease advocate Mary McDirmid walks in downtown Spokane with her husband Jay and daughters Charli and Ruth, who has Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.

UNSTOPPABLE A mother’s determination to bring awareness to rare diseases

By THERESA WHITLOCK-WILD Photography By JOEL RINER

I

n January 2016, Mary McDirmid and her husband Jay were eagerly expecting the birth of their second child. Hand-in-hand, searching the small television screen for the black and white image to appear, hearing the steady thumping of a small heartbeat fill the room, the two were more than ready to learn the gender of their baby. .

It’s a girl!

In the moment, they didn’t think too much of what the technician told them. There were dark shadows on the baby’s heart. But Mary had faith that baby Ruth was just snuggled in for the duration and was making it difficult to see what was going on.

The doctor would recommend coming in 10 weeks later for a

88 NSPIREMAGAZINE.COM

follow-up. Mary decided it wasn’t anything serious and they continued preparing for the newest addition to their growing family.

Mary recalls having some scares with their first daughter in the early months of her pregnancy. During routine tests in the first trimester, they were told their child could possibly have Down’s Syndrome.

Mary spent the duration of her pregnancy preparing for the worst.

It was a false-positive. Charli, a beautiful and perfectly healthy baby girl was born. When they were asked if they wanted to participate in the early testing once again for their second child, they declined. Without giving it much thought, the weeks flew by and it was time for their 10-

week appointment. This time, the doctor came in right away.

“She has tumors on her heart.”

The doctor didn’t mince words. He explained that he didn’t have any experience with this, but if there were tumors on the heart, there was a 98 percent chance it was Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, a rare disease that can either be inherited, or in Ruth’s case, the result of a genetic mutation.

Suddenly, the birth plan Mary and Jay had prepared for would no longer be an option. Mary would have to transfer her care to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane. Her midwife was now unable to participate in the birthing process, as Mary and her baby were now considered high-risk.

With so many unknowns and just five weeks from diagnosis to due date, the couple had little time to prepare themselves for a child whose body would continuously grow benign tumors on all of her major organs; her brain, heart, kidneys, lungs and skin — for the rest of her life. With no medication or treatments available, and little research to be found, Ruth’s parents now had to plan for caring for a special-needs child.

“I never want another mother to feel that way, without anyone to call,” she says, her jaw set in determination.

She didn’t take action right away, but the seed was planted. As she researched the disease and the support available, she searched for her own niche.

The year Ruth was delivered, there were only four babies in the state born with TSC. Ruth was the only baby in the Spokane area; the others were from the west side of Washington.

Four months after Ruth was born, Mary and Jay witnessed her first seizure. They had learned enough about the disease and what to expect, that when their beautiful baby would stare off, her tiny body stiffening, they realized these were the signs of a seizure.

The medications to control her seizures were ineffective, and suddenly the couple was not only trying to regulate or find ways to lessen the seizures, they were also trying to potty train their oldest child. Mary laughs at the absurdity of it all, and how those first couple of years were all about surviving the day-to-day challenges that were coming at them fast.

Six months after Ruth was born, Mary applied, and was quickly asked to be the local representative for the National Organization for Rare Disorders. With barely enough time to learn about her newest role, one week later, she was flying to Washington D.C. to learn about the impact she could make for families like her.

Mary enjoys a stroll with her daughters.

“We were scared, we were sad, but at least we knew what it was,” Mary said.

Mary’s eyes fill with tears as she recalls leaving the hospital several days after Ruth was born. Her heart was breaking as her husband drove her away, leaving baby Ruth behind in the NICU. “I knew Ruth was in the right spot for care,” she said. “My brain can operate that way. But my heart was saying I should be taking my baby home with me.”

It’s how she felt in that moment that paved a road to advocacy.

SUMMER/FALL 2020 89

This is where she realized just how big the NORD group really was.

FDA, Big Pharma, and all the little mom-and-pop alliances around the country were all gathering, trying to find ways to help families navigating rare diseases.

Each member of the McDirmid family plays an important role in helping keep baby Ruth as healthy and happy as possible.

“Getting a researcher to want to research your rare disease can take years, and then finding the families to get on board once the drug gets to trial, can take even longer.” she said.

It was a whole other world Mary didn’t know existed.

Her role was to be a “boots-onthe-ground” representative in D.C. as well as back home in Spokane, to listen to what is needed from all the interested parties at the table and gather people together to work toward common goals.

Mary is tenacious when her sights are set on something. By the time she returned from Washington D.C. she had become passionate about advocacy for rare diseases — not just her daughter’s disease but the lack of understanding for all rare diseases.

She returned in November that year and by December had reached out to Washington State University to host a Rare Disease Day. Students specializing in pharmacy and research, future doctors and nurses and several other types of specialists all are on campus. It makes sense for Mary to gather them together and to begin the conversation.

Mary planned the event in January, quickly throwing it together and unprepared for its success. With standing room only, it was obvious that the conversation around rare diseases was an important one. From teaching the medical students about how to support families to relaying the experiences that patients like her daughter Ruth live every day, to discussing the long-term effects 90 NSPIREMAGAZINE.COM

and what the quality of care looks like, Mary hopes she has brought awareness to what families are going through from the patient’s perspective.

Mary didn’t stop there. She joined the board for the Arc of Spokane, a national group that helps people with developmental disabilities navigate housing and live as independently as possible. She is also on the board of Skill Skin, an employer of people with developmental disabilities.

She takes on a lot but it’s because she feels she has to, for Ruth.

“I have to get Spokane ready for my daughter to be able to work in 16 years, when she is ready to contribute to the community,” she says, as if it should be obvious that there needs to be more employers hiring people with developmental and physical disabilities.

Mary is practical. Her wispy blonde hair is cut short, framing a face with sharp features and with

little to no make-up. She has no time for frivolity, as she is constantly moving or planning 10 steps ahead.

When she moves, it is with purpose.

For her, working full time, caring for a newborn and toddler, while navigating the world of rare diseases and then tackling advocacy, is manageable. And she’s all in.

She credits her husband Jay as her strongest supporter. And each evening, when they tuck their daughters into bed, she knows she has fought hard for her family, that she has loved them with every fiber of her being.

And while she has no control over the disease that is allconsuming to her daughter, she hopes she has fought hard to make the world a better place for Ruth, and for others like her. N

AMERICAN

Geno’s Traditional Food & Ales Following the simple formula of good food at reasonable prices in a comfortable atmosphere Geno’s doesn’t disappoint. Whether its fresh salads, our delicious house made soups or just a plate of wings you’ll be sure to find a new favorite!

meNu Nspired dining guide SPOKANE

1414 N. Hamilton, Spokane, WA 509-368-9087 wedonthaveone.com

Gilded Unicorn Gilded Unicorn is a Modern American, Classic restaurant featuring hand crafted foods and drinks located in the historic Montvale Hotel in downtown Spokane 110 S. Monroe St., Spokane, WA 509-309-3698 gildedunicorn.com

The Elk Public House Located in the heart of the historic Browne’s Addition neighborhood, The Elk boasts what is widely considered the best patio dining in the city, and a great place to enjoy one of our creative weekly specials, homemade soups and inventive cocktails.

1931 W. Pacific, Spokane, WA 509-363-1973 wedonthaveone.com

The Onion Area 51 Taphouse Est. 1978 - Fantastic scratchmade meals plus 51 taps of craft beverage and two locations.

Downtown: 302 W Riverside Ave, Spokane, WA: 509-747-3852 North Side: 7522 N Division St, Spokane, WA: 509-482-6100 theonion.biz

The Two Seven Public House The Two Seven follows the simple concept of great food and drink in a comfortable atmosphere.

Whether it’s dinner with the family, a business lunch or Mojitos on the patio, the friendly staff will always leave a smile.

2727 S. Mt. Vernon #5, Spokane, WA 509-473-9766 wedonthaveone.com

Wandering Table at Kendall Yards Small plates showcasing the best the Inland Northwest has to offer from local seasonal farms and producers.

1242 W. Summit Parkway Spokane, WA 509-443-4410 thewanderingtable.com

STEAKHOUSE

Masselow’s Steakhouse Greater Spokane’s only AAA Four Diamond restaurant. Enjoy exquisite cuisine like Dakota bison rib-eye, scallops capellini and more.

An impressive list of Northwest wines, too.

100 N. Hayford Rd., Airway Heights, WA 509-481-6020 northernquest.com

SUMMER/FALL 2020 91

AMERICAN

315 Martinis & Tapas Live music Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. Full dinner menu.

Located in Downtown Coeur d’Alene. Open Tuesday through Saturday at 3:15 p.m.

315 Wallace Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 208-667-9660 315martinisandtapas.com

Bardenay The first distillery-restaurant in the nation, Bardenay specializes in hand-crafted cocktails using house-distilled spirits & Pacific Northwest cuisine.

1710 W. Riverstone Dr. Coeur d’Alene, ID 208-765-1540 bardenay.com

Candle in the Woods Our dinners are 10 – 12 course, prix fixe menus, with each course perfectly paired with an outstanding wine from our award winning cellar, one of the best in the entire northwest. Limo service available. Reservations are required.

5754 E Hwy 54., Athol, ID 208-664-0135 candleinthewoods.com

Chomper Cafe Situated in Stoddard Park, we offer a cozy, farmhouse feel with a friendly staff. Our corned beef, chicken fried steak, and fresh hand formed burgers are some of our favorites. Open daily 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.

2345 W. Prairie Ave., Hayden, ID 208-719-0441 chompercafe.com Crystal Toreson-Kern/Ctoreson Photography

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meNu Nspired dining guide CO E U R D ’A L E N E

Collective Kitchen Public House At our upscale restaurant, we offer contemporary fine dining with something for everyone. We change our menu every couple of months, and it can be viewed on our website. Open 11-9, 7 days a week.

501 Sherman Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 208-930-4762 scratchcda.com

Cricket’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar Cricket’s offers a large variety of fresh homemade items, sauces and creative preparation. A casual, lively entertaining atmosphere, Cricket’s is open for lunch, dinner and late night every day.

Open Daily 11 a.m. - 1 a.m.

424 Sherman Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 208-765-1990 cricketsoysterbar.com

Floating Green Restaurant Dine with a spectacular view of Lake CdA and the world’s only floating golf green. Open for breakfast and lunch year-round with NW inspired cuisine served for dinner through Labor Day. Reservations are suggested.

900 S. Floating Green Dr. Coeur d’Alene, ID 208-667-4653 floatinggreen.com

Moon Time From the world famous Moon Burger to our 5-star spicy Gumbo, locals and tourists alike will always find something to enjoy.

Serving delicious food and cold pints 7 days a week for 20 years and counting.

1602 E. Sherman Ave. Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814 208-667-2331 wedonthaveone.com

The Oval Office Quaint, romantic restaurant that serves Northwest Cuisine with a foreign flair. You will love the steaks, ever-changing fresh fish selection and extensive selection of appetizers and martinis to choose from.

620 N. Spokane St. Post Falls, ID 208-777-2102 whitehousegrill.com

The Porch Our scenic location in Hayden Lake creates an idyllic setting for an outdoor meal. Offering delicious food, creative cocktails and a fantastic beer selection stop in and see why locals say, “every neighborhood should be so lucky.”

1658 E. Miles Ave. Hayden Lake, ID 83835 208-772-7711 wedonthaveone.com

Republic Kitchen+Taphouse Sharing the craft foods we love to eat and the local brews we love to drink in a converted 1910 home on the National Historic Registry.

120 E. 4th Ave., Post Falls, ID 208-457-3610 repub.pub

Satay Satay Bistro is a fine restaurant comprised of American fusion food.

Our primary focus is traditional Northwest foods prepared with infused flavors and sauces.

2501 N 4th St Coeur d’Alene, ID 208-765-2555

Seasons of Coeur d’Alene Enjoy seasonally inspired, spirited cuisine in the intimate dining room, vibrant bar, or quiet fireplace lounge. Live music & daily happy hour! Open for lunch & dinner 7 days a week.

209 Lakeside Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 208-664-8008 seasonsofcda.com

B R E A K FA S T

Red Tail Bar & Grill Located at The Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort. The order of the day at our Gathering Place is “fresh & local.” Our menu emphasizes seasonality, variety and value while our entertainment line-up features both established and emerging local musicians.

Michael D’s Eatery Laid-back, neighborhood spot with American comfort food for breakfast & lunch, plus outdoor seating.

203 E. Coeur D’Alene Lake Dr. Coeur d’Alene, ID 208-676-9049

The CdA Casino Resort, ID 800-523-2464 cdacasino.com SUMMER/FALL 2020 93

DELI

The Culinary Stone Our artisan deli includes gourmet meats and cheeses from around the world, Kraft Beers that are locally brewed, as well as all natural grain fed and grass fed meats that are GMO and Hormone free.

2129 Main St. Coeur d’Alene, ID 208-277-4116 culinarystone.com

meNu Nspired dining guide CO E U R D ’A L E N E

EUROPEAN

Vine & Olive Small plates, eight local drafts, Northwest wines with interesting imports and wine club.

Open daily for lunch and dinner at 11:30 a.m.

2037 N. Main St. Coeur d’Alene, ID 208-758-7770 vineandolivecda.com

Tony’s on the Lake Fine Italian cuisine in a cozy and elegant surrounding with beautiful lake views and comfortable outdoor seating.

Call for winter hours.

6823 Coeur d’Alene Lake Drive Coeur d’Alene, ID 208-667-9885 tonysonthelake.com

FRENCH

JA PA N ES E

Fleur de Sel

Syringa

Our 35 seat restaurant is elegant yet casual. Experience our fantastic view and authentic cuisine from France, where we are from. Menu is seasonal and diverse. Full bar. Reservations recommended. A bientot!

4365 E. Inverness Dr., Post Falls, ID 208-777-7600 fleur-de-sel.weebly.com

I TA L I A N

Angelo’s Ristorante A taste of homemade, authentic Italian cuisine in midtown Cd’A. Angelo’s offers fresh, organic (when available) handcrafted food, extensive wine selection and warm romantic decor. Reservations recommended. Open daily 5-10pm.

846 N. 4th St., Coeur d’Alene, ID 208-765-2850 angelosristorante.net

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Japanese Cafe’ & Sushi Bar is one of Coeur d’Alene’s top sushi restaurants.

Comfortable atmosphere with many selections to choose from.

1710 N. 4th St. Coeur d’Alene, ID 208-664-2718 syringasushi.com

L AT I N A M E R I CA N

Cafe Carambola Here at Cafe Carambola, we specialize in serving the authentic flavors of Latin America. Open for lunch 11am-3pm, Monday-Friday 610 Hubbard Ave #110 Coeur d’Alene, ID 208-676-8784 cafecarambola.com

MEDITERRANEAN

White House Open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week. If you want a taste of the Mediterranean, drinking Ouzo and eating a crazy amount of garlic, just drive to Post Falls to be with us in our crazy, noisy, but also romantic White House Grill.

712 N. Spokane St., Post Falls, ID 208-777-9672 whitehousegrill.com

SEAFOOD

Fisherman’s Market & Grill Your home for fresh fish.

Outstanding Sushi bar, fish and chips with eight specialty tartars, ahi steaks, fish tacos, fresh oysters and clams, sandwiches, entrees and fresh catch delivered daily.

215 W. Kathleen Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 208-664-4800 fishermansmarketcda.com

MEXICAN

Toro Viejo Along with our homemade chips and salsa we are proud to offer home style Mexican cooking at very reasonable prices.

117 N. 2nd St., Coeur d’Alene, ID 208-667-7676 toroviejo.com

Anthony’s Restaurant Fresh Northwest seafood complemented by in-season farm fresh produce, local microbrews and award-winning Northwest wines.

Located on the water, serving lunch, dinner and happy hour daily.

1926 W. Riverstone Dr., Coeur d’Alene, ID 208-664-4665 anthonys.com

PIZZA

Fire Artisan Pizza Located in downtown CdA, Fire Artisan Pizza is a wood-fired oven pizza restaurant offering a menu of unique pies crafted using only the finest ingredients.

517 Sherman Ave. Coeur d’Alene, ID 208-676-1743 fireartisanpizza.com

SPORTS BAR

Sweet Lou’s Restaurant Offering an American fare experience with fresh ingredients and creative twists. Enjoy a view of Lake CdA while you sip on one of 32 beers on tap - 16 reserved for local favorites.

601 E. Front Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 208-667-1170 sweetlousidaho.com

STEAKHOUSE

Flame and Cork Wood fired Pizza Family owned wood fired pizza restaurant with a comfortable family friendly atmosphere in Hayden. Flame and Cork is known for authentic wood fired pizza made with fresh high quality ingredients..

Chinook Our USDA Prime Beef undergoes a 28-day aging process, which includes a full 14 days of dry-aging, double the time of most prime beef.

The CdA Casino Resort, ID 800-523-2464 cdacasino.com

8592 N. Govt. Way, Coeur d’Alene, ID 208-635-5836 flameandcork.com SUMMER/FALL 2020 95

FINAL IMPRESSION

1 CORINTHIANS 13:13 Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.

In loving memory of Heath Okon

Round Lake State Park

Photo by JOEL RINER Signature Print - To order prints of Joel Riner's Photography, visit joelriner.com

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The CDA Arts & Culture Alliance presents

New this year! Live-streaming on Facebook each week.

For more information visit artsandculturecda.org/summer-concert-series

CeCe Curtis

The Powers

BLUES/JAZZ

AMERICANA/ALTERNATIVE COUNTRY

Opener: Pamela Benton

Opener: Jackson Roltgen

SwingSet

Van Paepeghem Quartet

BIG BAND SWING HITS

JAZZ

Opener: The Weddle Twins

Opener: Renei and Davis

Nu Jack City

Barry Aiken Group

R&B/SOUL/FUNK

CONTEMPORARY JAZZ

Opener: Brady Campbell

Opener: Scotty Dodson

P.B. & Jam

special saturday concert!

CONTEMPORARY JAZZ

Opener: Brady Campbell

Radio

Opener: The Weddle Twins

Max Hatt / Edda Glass

Kelly Hughes

FOLK JAZZ

COUNTRY

Opener: Hanna Rebecca

Thank you to our sponsors

CDA Symphony

Opener: Ally Burke

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Coeur d’Alene Lakeside Community New Construction with Boat Slip

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Absolutely charming Hayden Lake Country Club home on 14th Fairway

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Half-acre lot in the Hayden Lake Country Club Neighborhood!

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Alpine Climbing

Leave boring Pangaea behind Rafting

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE Idaho & Washington Call us at 208.762.5500 or Visit PearlRealty.com $4.95

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CHEF RECIPES

from the vault